A teacher at Samuel P. Massie Academy in Forestville, Maryland, has come under investigation after a shocking video that shows him handling a 13-year-old student with force in an effort to confiscate her phone in a brutal manner. The incident happened Tuesday morning and has been terrible enough to inflame parents and the community. A 13-year-old girl alleges a male teacher slammed and choked her for using her phone in class. The school has launched an investigation into the incident.
What Happened?
According to reports, the trouble began when Cassidy, the student, sat in class using her phone to watch a movie after finishing an assignment. The teacher approached about 10 minutes after Cassidy began using her phone.
The footage shows Cassidy’s phone being violently grabbed out of her hands by the substitute teacher, whose name has not been released. As she attempts to take it back, the situation quickly escalates. The teacher is recorded on the video pinning Cassidy against a desk and then grabbing her by the neck and chest in what appears to be a strangulation movement.
Student Voice
Cassidy described the event in an interview with Fox News:
“He grabbed me by my chest and neck and threw me on the desk while choking me.”
She described how the teacher grabbed her phone and got physically aggressive when she wanted to get it back.
Mother Reacts
Cassidy’s mother, Anitra Lang, is furious about this incident, stating how the teacher has treated her daughter “like a rag doll”. “He is a teacher,” Lang told Fox News. “These are people whom we are supposed to trust with the safety of our students.”
She has demanded that the teacher be charged with child abuse and called for accountability at the school level.
School’s Response
In reaction to the viral video and public outcry, the school has confirmed that the teacher will be removed from the classroom while investigations are pending. Officials stated: “The staff member involved has been removed from the classroom pending outcome of the investigations. Disciplinary actions will be based on findings.”
However, it remains unclear whether the said teacher is still an employee of the school or if any further legal actions will be instituted against him.
Concerns in the Community and the Way Forward
Outrage erupts as a male teacher is seen forcefully restraining a 13-year-old girl over phone use in class. The incident is now under investigation. Safety is thus called into question with the schools, as far the students are concerned, and at the same time, the way teachers enforce their discipline. Many parents and community people would now be seeking the truth of the investigation and tough actions against the teacher if found guilty.
While the investigation is going on, the school authorities and local government are expected to give updates on the fate of this teacher facing potential criminal charges or full dismissal from the employment.
